UL hosts Middle East’s first-ever switchgear forum

Created: Wednesday, 24 January 2018 08:26

UL experts update delegates on IEC 61439 switchgear assembly R&D and type testing and showcase capabilities of first UL industrial electrical lab in the region. (Image source: UL)The Middle East’s first-ever electrical switchgear forum was held in Abu Dhabi earlier this week to educate the attendees more about the latest global standards, which can help to reduce the risk of faults and fire

Experts from global safety science firm UL shared best practices with the delegates on IEC 61439 switchgear assembly, research and development (R&D), testing and how to avoid common mistakes.

The event, held at The Shangri-La Hotel, was hosted by representatives of the Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity Council, Jeffrey Smidt – vice-president and general manager of UL’s Energy and Power Technologies business and Hamid Syed – vice-president and general manager for UL in the Middle East region.

The industry delegates of panel builders, officials of local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), consultants, customers and other stakeholders, were also offered the opportunity to take a tour around the Middle East’s first electrical testing laboratory, opened by UL in 2016, in the Mussafah area of the capital.

The laboratory specialises in advanced capabilities and equipment to support the testing of power switchgear and controlgear assemblies, distribution boards, busbar trunking systems, empty enclosures and packaged substations. Additionally, approval from DAkkS Germany for low voltage switchgear and controlgear under ISO/IEC 17025 enable UL to carry out tests for performance and safety-related requirements per IEC standards.

“We were delighted to welcome UL’s customers and friends to visit our state-of-the-art facility and to learn how UL’s investment in this local safety and performance testing facility supports both the local and regional manufacturing base with a trusted resource,” said Syed.

Due to the amount of interest in the forum and the high level of the delegates who attended, it is now expected to become an annual event.